Entries tagged "antiques roadshow"

Political memorabilia that's collected today can date from
as far as two thousand years ago, when the Romans inscribed their political votes
on pottery shards called ostracons.

Right now is a perfect time to start collecting political
memorabilia from the upcoming elections. You never know the next politician that
will make such impact on the world that the buttons, photos, and campaign signs
used during the campaigns become part of our American history, and become
valuable commodities. It’s all history in the making, and there will more than
likely be future collectors who will pay big money to own it...

In Pasadena, CA,
Bob Richter found and purchased a set of scrimshaw carving knives. The term "scrimshaw" refers to carvings done in bone and ivory, commonly the bones and teeth of whales. These intricate engravings, like on the handles of the set purchased by Bob, can be beautiful to behold, but owning animal-derived objects — specifically those made from endangered species — can carry moral and legal implications.

In July 2011, a rhinoceros-horn libation cup collection
was brought to the Tulsa, Oklahoma tour stop of ANTIQUES ROADSHOW
. The collection received the highest appraisal in ROADSHOW history, with appraiser Lark Mason estimating the set could fetch $1 million to $1.5 million at auction (although if valued today, would be worth significantly less or, in some locations, unsalable as a result of changes to the law). The collector, Doug, described his love of the artifacts, saying, "I'd rather collect something like this than eat." While Doug's passion comes from his admiration for these works of art, others have bought and sold such items for less noble reasons, resulting in regulations on products derived from endangered species.

"It's a fabulous thing to be able to use an antique
today." — John Bruno

John's right! Some antique
treasures are meant to be looked at and loved from a distance — safely on a wall
or shelf — but not cast iron! From doorstops to garden sculptures to kitchen
goods, cast iron is tough enough to handle the bumps and bruises of daily usage.

Antiques industry lore has it that old-time dealers or “pickers”
drove across the country, stopping to knock on doors and ask homeowners if they
had any old screens for sale. Why? Because people kept their old screens in the
attic or basement—locations that gave pickers a chance to peruse the contents
of a home on their way through it.